Chloasma - Its Types And Causes

Brown patches or spots on your face may be suggestive of chloasma. Read on to find what exactly is chloasma, its various types, clinical manifestations and causes.

What does chloasma mean?

Chloasma (also known as Melasma or Seborrhoeic melanosis) is a term used for pigmentary skin discolorations, usually those occurring in yellowish-brown patches or spots, which are intensified by the exposure to the sun.

Types of Chloasma

Chloasma may be of following types:

1. Chloasma Gravidarum or Mask of pregnancy

Most commonly, chloasma occurs during pregnancy. Darkening of the skin, usually occurs after 16 weeks’ of gestation. The lesions may disappear after delivery, but appear again during the next pregnancy. More often, however, the lesions persist even after delivery.

2. Chloasma Idiopathic

Chloasma caused by external agents such as sun, heat, mechanical means, and x-rays.

3. Chloasma Symptomatic

Chloasma caused by various diseases, as syphilis or cancer.

4. Chloasma Traumaticum

Skin discolorations, following trauma.

5. Chloasma Uterinum

Chloasma associated with uterine conditions.

What Causes Chloasma?

Though the exact cause of this hyper pigmentation is not known; however, probable causes are:

1. The effect of oestrogen and progesterone

Its occurrence may be attributed to the effect of these hormones since:

• It is commonly seen in association with pregnancy.

• It can develop in females taking contraceptive pills.

• It can occur in unmarried girls, in association with disturbances of the menstrual cycle.

2. Low levels of testosterone in men

Rarely, it is seen in men with low testosterone and elevated LH levels.

3. Persistent anaemia

Chloasma may be associated with persistent anaemia, either due to chronic gastro-intestinal infestations or due to excessive bleeding.

4. Liver disorders

Sometimes, it has been associated with disorders of the liver.

Clinical manifestations of chloasma

#1 Chloasma is manifested as patterned hyper pigmentation of the face, with rounded or oval patches, light yellow to black in color, having ill-defined margins.

#2 Lesions are asymptomatic and superficial in nature. Skin does not show any other change.

#3 The lesions are usually located on one or more of the following sites:

• Bridge of the nose

• Both the cheeks

• The upper lip

• The forehead (a linear area just above the eyebrows is frequently involved)

P.S. - An area of upper lip below the nose and skin around the eyes are, as a rule, spared. It does not occur anywhere else in the body.

Also read:

Chloasma - How To Get The Clear Skin Back?

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